Personalization and autonomy in distance learning: artificial intelligence and the paths to tailored education

Abstract

Until recently, the idea of ​​a system capable of adapting instruction to each student's needs sounded futuristic. But advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have accelerated this process, bringing tools to the classroom—physical or virtual—that personalize learning in unprecedented ways. Instead of uniform, generalized instruction, we're now talking about 1:1 models, where each student has an AI application that recognizes their pace, learning style, and specific challenges, offering tailored support. This transformation speaks directly to the challenges faced by higher education: students with diverse backgrounds, inequalities in access, concentration difficulties, and a world constantly evolving. How can we ensure that everyone progresses with quality and autonomy in this scenario? One path lies in AI-mediated personalized learning, which is already being discussed by experts and institutions worldwide.
According to a UNESCO report (2021), the use of artificial intelligence in education can "improve individualized learning, strengthen cognitive and non-cognitive skills, and support more efficient time and task management" (UNESCO, 2021, p. 34). This means that intelligent systems can not only suggest new content, but also adjust methodologies and even recommend strategic breaks based on techniques such as the Pomodoro method, promoting student concentration and well-being. It is important to remember that this technological revolution does not replace teachers or educational institutions. Rather, it proposes a reconfiguration of pedagogical practices, placing the student at the center of the process and promoting greater alignment with the National Curricular Guidelines, which emphasize the importance of developing skills, autonomy, and critical thinking (BRASIL, 2013). Thus, more than just following trends, discussing the applications of artificial intelligence in education is reflecting on how we can build more humane, effective, and inclusive learning experiences, supported by technological tools that see each student as unique.